LS 5603 Book Review: RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE

Graphic Novel

Bibliography
Hale, Shannon and Dean. 2008. RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York, NY: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books. ISBN 978-1-59990-288-3

Plot Summary
Rapunzel is raised by Mother Gothel, who has growth magic, in a villa with lots of servants and a very tall wall surrounding the villa. Curious, one day Rapunzel climbs the wall, and meets her real mother and other peasants who work in the mines for Mother Gothel. When confronted with the truth, Mother Gothel imprisons Rapunzel in a tall tree hundreds of feet off the ground. As Rapunzel grows older and her hair grows longer she learns to use her hair as a whip. Using her hair Rapunzel is able to escape the tree, travel back to the villa and confront Mother Gothel for the last time.

Critical Analysis
In addition to being a twist on a classic tale this story has been "Americanized" by placing Rapunzel in the old west as a setting. Between the authors' text and illustrator's drawings we have a clear sense of place in RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE. Children will enjoy all the tell tale signs of an old west story complete with horses, cowboy hats, spurs, and lots of action.

The pictures are an intricate part of the narrative giving a fuller scope of the story. For instance, when Rapunzel escapes from the tree the text is, "And then at last I managed to lasso the tree, swing gracefully from my prison, climb down the trees branches, and land triumphantly on the forest floor." The picture shows a slightly different story; Rapunzel swinging screaming from the tree, breaking branches, and splashing to a stop in the swamp below. The pictures keep the storyline clear. For example, the artist uses pictures that are monochromatic to denote flashbacks and dreams; this keeps readers clear on what is happening at all times.

This story uses many of the folktale tricks. Like a folktale there are stock characters: the evil witch, charming "prince", and a goose that lays the golden egg. Also like a folktale the adventure is larger than life, at one point Rapunzel battles a huge (approximately 30 foot long) snake. What makes this story intriguing is when it departs from it's folktale roots. Rapunzel is not a spoiled princess waiting locked in a tower to be rescued. Young audiences will enjoy this updated take on a timeless tale.

Review Excerpts
American Library Association Notable Books for Children Award 2009
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive. Knowing that there are more graphic novels to come from this writing team brings readers their own happily-ever-after."
BOOKLIST: "Hale’s art matches the story well, yielding expressive characters and lending a wonderful sense of place to the fantasy landscape. Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers."

Connections
*Have children read CALAMITY JACK (ISBN 978-1599900766) to find out what happens next to Jack and Rapunzel.
*Using a Venn diagram compare the folktale Rapunzel to RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE.
* Have children select another folktale, like the Three Little Pigs, and create illustrations for the story in comic book style and/or retell the story in modern times.